BGA Rework Stations

BGA rework stations — also called SMT and SMD rework stations — play a critical role in printed circuit board repair and modification. As their names imply, rework stations are spaces where technicians can alter surface-mounted devices and circuit boards with ball grid array (BGA) packaging. This is useful for several refinishing and repairing applications, including removing defective components, replacing missing components, reversing components that were installed incorrectly, and more.

Many short-run or low-volume production operations also use BGA rework stations. Depending on the task and the system, they may offer partial automation capabilities, with or without the use of a connected PC.

All machines come fully self contained with their own internal air and vacuum unless otherwise specified.

What Is a BGA Rework Station?

A BGA rework station is a workspace system technicians can use to alter printed circuit boards with ball grid array (BGA) packaging and surface-mounted devices. These rework stations can also alter circuit boards with column grid array packaging, chip scale packages, quad flat packages, land grid arrays and other surface-mounted devices. BGA rework stations are also called surface-mounted technology rework stations or surface-mounted device (SMD) rework stations.

BGA rework stations have features that dictate the size of the circuit board that can be worked on and capabilities that determine the types and volume of jobs that can be done. Some BGA rework stations have a split-vision assist camera, while others do not. BGA rework stations that do not have the split-vision functionality are best for entry-level jobs, while rework stations with this function allow for more complex work. Some stations have automated functions, while others do not.

A BGA rework station allows technicians to do several different things, including refinishing, rework and repair. These rework stations empower technicians to remove defective parts, reinstall incorrectly placed parts, replace any missing parts and remove parts that are no longer working. BGA rework stations can be placed on a flat surface, or technicians can use BGA rework stations that come mounted on a cabinet with wheels.

SP-360C BGA Rework Station

A great entry-level BGA Rework Station for jobs that don’t require a split vision assist camera. The SP-360C BGA Rework Station is a basic rework station that is ideal for entry-level circuit board repair jobs. This rework station does not have a split-vision assist camera. The rework station fits boards up to 420 millimeters and has the capability to place components from 4 millimeters to 55 millimeters.

Fits Boards up to 420 mm

Places components from 4mm to 55mm

RW-B400C BGA Rework Station

A great entry level BGA Rework Station for jobs that don’t require split vision assist camera. The RW-B400C BGA Rework Station, another rework station without a split-vision assist camera, also works well for entry-level jobs. This rework station fits boards up to 445 millimeters, while it can also place components from 4 millimeters to 55 millimeters.

Fits Boards up to 445 mm

Places components from 4mm to 55mm

SV530 Split Vision BGA Rework Station

High Resolution Vision SystemFits Boards up to 510 mm

The model SV530 Split-Vision BGA Rework Station features a high-resolution vision system, fits boards up to 510 millimeters and places components from 1 millimeter to 120 millimeters. If you need more capability, an upgrade for .22 millimeter and larger is available. The rework station includes a color optical system with a variety of functions, including zoom capabilities, split vision, micro-adjust, autofocus and an aberration and detection device. The station also has a 1,200-watt component heater on the top side and an 800-watt component heater on the bottom side, as well as a 2,400-watt IR underheater. The rework station is fully self-contained with no need for external air. It is ready to plug in and use.

SV550 Split Vision BGA Rework Station

Standard Resolution Vision SystemFits Boards up to 635 mm

The model SV550 Split-Vision BGA Rework Station features a high-resolution vision system. The system fits boards up to 635 millimeters and places components from 1 millimeter to 120 millimeters. If you need more capability, an upgrade for .22 millimeter and larger is available. This model, which comes with a six-zone 3,600-watt IR underheater, is a step up from the SV530 Split-Vision BGA Rework Station. Other features include a 1,200-watt component heater on the top side and an 800-watt component heater on the bottom side. The color optical system is equipped with split vision, zoom, micro-adjust, auto-focus and software operation camera functionalities. The rework station is ready to plug in and use.

SV560

High Resolution HDMI Vision SystemFits Boards up to 915 mm

The SV560 BGA Rework Station fits up to 610 millimeters boards with the option to upgrade to 915 millimeters boards. This rework station has the capabilities needed to rework heavy PCBs with many layers. The rework station can also place components from 1 millimeter to 120 millimeters. If you need more capability, an upgrade for .22 millimeter and larger is available. It has a 1,200-watt component heater on the top side, an 800-watt component heater on the bottom side and a six-zone 3,600-watt rapid-IR underheater. The rework station’s color optical system includes split vision, zoom, micro-adjust and auto-focus functions, as well as a software operation function with a high-definition camera. Additionally, the rework system comes with a high-definition LCD monitor. Like our other rework stations, the SV560 is ready to plug in and use.

SV560-A

High Resolution HDMI Vision SystemFits Boards up to 915 mm

The SV560-A BGA Rework Station is great for high-volume work on large boards. The rework station can fit boards up to 610 millimeters, and an upgrade will allow the station to fit boards up to 915 millimeters. It can place components from 1 millimeter and up. Like the SV550 and SV560 models, this rework station has a 1,200-watt component heater on the top side, an 800-watt component heater on the bottom side and a six-zone 3,600-watt rapid-IR underheater, as well as a color optical system with split vision, zoom, micro-adjust and auto-focus. The color optical system also has a 1.3-million-pixel high-definition camera. Additional features include a motorized vision system with auto soldering and mounting functions, motorized X, Y and theta controls, a 15-inch high-definition LCD monitor and five thermal couple inputs. The rework station is ready to be plugged in and used.

E6250U – Nitrogen Gas Capable

Uses compressed air or Nitrogen.

High Resolution HDMI Vision System

Fits Boards up to 915 mm

The model E6250U BGA Rework Station is a nitrogen-capable, split vision rework station that is ideal for high-yield, lead-free BGA rework of the largest circuit boards. The station fits boards up to 915 millimeters and places components 1 millimeter and up. The rework station has a 1,000-watt component heater on the top side, a 1,000-watt component heater on the bottom side and a six-zone 3,600-watt rapid-IR underheater. The entire head of the machine can move in an X and Y direction with touch sensitive magnetic locks. The top and bottom component heaters move in conjunction with each other. This allows you the ability to easily rework components at any location including the edge of very large boards. The color optical system has split vision, zoom and micro-adjust functions. Additional features include a 15-inch high-definition LCD monitor, five thermal couple inputs and auto soldering and mounting, in addition to motorized X, Y and theta controls. This model requires and external air source and Nitrogen can be used for the top heater air.

Places components from 1mm to 120mm

Auto Pik n Place.

Motorized X, Y and Theta controls.

Joy Stick and Touch Screen Control

Movable Bottom Spot Heater

E6250U Nitrogen Capable SMD & BGA Rework Station with Cabinet

The model E6250U Nitrogen-Capable SMD & BGA Rework Station comes with all of the same features of the standard E6250U and it is mounted on a cabinet base with wheels.
All of the Shuttle Star Models from the SV530 and up are equipped with industrial PLC control and can be upgraded to come with a cabinet base on wheels. The cabinet base on wheels is ideal if you need a mobile capability to move the unit for use in different labs or work areas.
Models SV560 and up can be upgraded to come with a side view camera. This allows you the ability to see the solder reflow on a video screen.

Same specs as the E6250U BGA Rework Station listed above.

Only this once gas a movable cabinet base on wheels.

Benefits of BGA Rework Stations

BGA rework stations represent a significant investment, but they offer many benefits.

Accuracy: BGA rework is a delicate process that requires skill and attention to detail. It is all too easy to damage the entire PCB when trying to rework a ball grid array. BGA rework stations offer the tools to achieve the necessary precision to complete the rework job accurately and safely, without damaging the entire device.

Efficiency: The highly specialized tools — such as nozzles, solder balls and component pickup tubes — that come with a BGA rework station ensure trained technicians can efficiently tackle the rework job at hand.

Volume: The right BGA rework station can help companies like original equipment manufacturers handle a high volume of rework jobs on a variety of different-sized PCBs.

Cost: The upfront cost of a BGA rework station is an investment, but it pays off. Rework can significantly extend the lifetime of a PCB, and it is typically less expensive to rework a PCB than it is to assemble or buy a new one.

Application Use for BGA Rework Stations

BGA rework stations have several different applications in the world of PCB repair and alteration. Here are a few of the most common applications.

Upgrades: Upgrades are one of the most common reasons for rework. Technicians may need to swap out parts or add upgraded pieces to a PCB.

Faulty parts: PCBs can have various faulty parts that may require rework. For example, pads could get damaged during BGA removal, any number of parts could be heat-damaged or there could be too much solder joint voiding.

Faulty assembly: A range of mistakes can occur during the rework process. For example, the PCB may have incorrect BGA orientation or a poorly developed BGA rework thermal profile. If this is the case, the PCB will likely need to undergo further rework to address the faulty assembly.

Hot Air vs. IR BGA Rework Stations

Original equipment manufacturers and PCB contract manufacturers typically use two different types of BGA rework stations: hot air or infrared (IR). What is the difference between these two types of BGA rework machine, and is one better than the other?

Hot air BGA rework stations: Hot air BGA rework stations use hot air to heat up the PCB components during the project. Several different nozzles guide and circulate hot air to ensure even heat distribution. Technicians can move these nozzles to direct air, allowing work on small, delicate components to get accomplished quickly. The use of air pumps means there will be some level of noise when using a hot air BGA rework station, though many models can run very quietly. Because hot air is an older technology, more technicians have training in using hot air BGA rework stations as opposed to IR BGA rework stations.

IR BGA rework stations: Instead of hot air, IR BGA rework stations use infrared rays and a fixed ceramic heater to heat PCB components. This type of rework station is completely silent. It also involves fewer pieces, which can make maintenance easier. However, depending on the quality of this machine, it may require more frequent maintenance and additional tools to accomplish the desired jobs. Since this is a newer technology, not as many technicians are trained to use IR BGA rework stations.

Both hot air BGA rework stations and IR BGA rework stations have pros and cons, but a big factor to consider is the skill of the technician operating the machine.